Accordion – Tutor: Damien Mullane

In a short space of time Damien Mullane has a musical cv that any veteran musician would be proud of. At the age only 31, he has been described as a virtuoso with an avant-garde style of playing.
Damien won numerous All-Ireland titles on both accordion and melodeon and began his professional career as the accordionist in the legendary Frankie Gavin’s band De Dannan.

Damien has toured extensively, performing as far afield as China, Australia, New Zealand, India and the U.S in some of the worlds most prestigious venues including Slane Castle, The Electric Picnic and Glastonbury. He has performed for numerous high profile figures including US current President Barack Obama end ex-president Bill Clinton, Prince Albert of Monaco and former Irish president Mary Robinson. Damien has also collaborated musically with the likes of Ronnie Wood (Rolling Stones), James Taylor, Bruce Springsteen and Sting (Police) to mention a few.

Banjo – Tutor: Brian Mooney

Brian originates from Brosna, Co. Kerry, an area steeped in Irish traditional music.

He started learning the tin-whistle at the age of 6 before progressing onto the banjo and bouzouki a few years later.

Brian’s musical influences include Sliabh Luachra, west Limerick and later County Clare, where he lived and played regularly for a number of years. These exposures helped Brian form a traditional style with emphasis on a strong rhythm and a rich melody.

Brian’s banjo and bouzouki playing has featured on many albums by leading musicians over the past number of years. More recently, Brian has been a member of the traditional group Caladh Nua and has toured America and Europe with the band.
Brian has been a popular teacher at various summer schools and workshops for a number of years now and we are delighted to have him with us this year in Ennis!

Uilleann Pipes – Tutor: Mickey Dunne

Last, but certainly not least, our piping tutor for this years masterclasses at the Ennis Trad fest, Saturday 11th November.

Uilleann pipes: Mickey Dunne!

Mickey Dunne and his pipes are a unique and well-known phenomenon in the world of traditional Irish music.

Mickey’s style of piping embodies the free-flowing traveller piping style associated with the legendary Johnny Doran, Finbar Furey, and Paddy Keenan, all of whom have provided Mickey with inspiration.

Mickey now provides the next generation of pipers with inspiration by his playing and his generosity with his other musical skills.
He is a sought after and a welcome presence at tionols (A gathering of Uilleann pipers) around the globe, and we are delighted to have him with us this year!

Concertina – Tutor: Liam O’Brien

Liam is from Miltown Malbay, Co. Clare.

He was brought up in a very musical family, and after starting off on the tin whistle he later went on to take up the concertina and attended classes with Noel Hill for many years.
Liam then went on to study Irish Music & Dance in The University of Limerick.

He has travelled the world playing & teaching Irish traditional music, and has been all across Europe, Africa and spent the summer of 2012 touring Japan.

Liam now teaches Concertina & Banjo with the Brid O’Donohue School of Music here in Co. Clare.

In early 2017 Liam was awarded the TG4 Gradam Cheoil Young Musician of the Year!

We are delighted to have him onboard with us at this years Ennis Trad fest masterclasses teaching the concertina!

Fiddle – Tutor: Colin Farrell

Colin was born in Manchester, England, into a very musical family.
His parents are from Co.Galway and Co.Cavan.

Colin started playing the fiddle and tin Whistle from an early age and has made a name for himself performing and recording with an array of great musicians in Europe and the US, including such groups as Flook, Grada, Karen Casey, John Doyle, The Elders, Julie Fowlis, Tim O’Brien, The Michael McGoldrick Band and Lúnasa.

Colin is also a noted composer whose tunes have been played and recorded by numerous bands and musicians.

In 2005, Colin was awarded a Masters Degree in Music from Limerick University. Since then he has been living in Florida, and when not touring, Colin has been teaching at schools and various camps around the US and Europe.

Flute – Tutor: Mike McGoldrick

Manchester born Mike is already regarded as one of the greatest flute players of all time. Check out any of his recordings and you too will become hooked to the crossover of traditional Irish music to modern day sound.

Set Dancing – Tutor: Mairéad Casey

Mairéad hails from Newtowncashel in the South-West of County Longford, an area surrounded by Lough Ree. She grew up in a household where the love of music was endemic. Her parents Bridgie and James (Hanley), both unfortunately deceased, extended huge hospitality to musicians, dancers, singers, neighbours and friends. Her father played the fiddle and she started dancing at a very young age around the kitchen floor. At the age of ten she attended the Kitty Carberry School of Dancing where over a period of three years she won many championships. It was on meeting with Mick Mulkerrin in 1995 that her interest in Sean-Nós dancing started. Since then she has been teaching both Set Dancing and Sean-Nós Dancing at festivals all over Ireland, Europe and America.

Sean Nós dancing – Tutor: Suzanne Leahy

Suzanne originally comes from Herbertstown in Co. Limerick and now lives in Clarecastle. Co. Clare. She grew up in a community full of music, song and dance and credits her National School teachers and family for fostering her love for Traditional music. Suzanne performed Irish step-dancing with the Anthony Costello school of dancing in Limerick and was also a member of the Eire Óg Set-dancing club in Grange, Co. Limerick where she taught children’s classes for a number of years.

In later years she found a true love of the oldest form of Irish solo dance, commonly referred to as Sean Nós Dancing and was taught by Mairéad Casey and Mick Mulkerrin at the Willie Clancy Summer School, in Miltown Malbay Co. Clare. In 2006, Suzanne was invited to teach Sean Nós dancing in Cork and since then has taught in the local community and at numerous festivals at home and abroad.

Register your interest

If you are interested in attending one of our masterclasses please fill out the form below so we get an idea of numbers. Thanks.